It’s normal to feel somewhat reluctant when returning to the office after a break, especially when the weather outside is perfect for outdoor activities. However, it’s possible to bring the positive elements of the outdoors into your office and make it a more vibrant and inviting space all year round.
Here are our tips for bringing the outdoors in so that your office feels vibrant all year round.
Roll Up the Blinds, Open Windows and Doors
You don’t necessarily have to purchase expensive home decor or nature-themed items to bring the outside inside. Rather, it can be as simple as opening your curtains and propping open your windows and doors.
Natural light can do wonders for revitalising your workspace, having a positive impact on mood and productivity. It also has the power to create a more visually open and inviting space, making your office a more pleasant and enjoyable place to work.
Letting in natural light can dramatically improve the overall ambiance of the office, creating a sense of being connected to nature. In fact, the presence of natural light has been shown to increase feelings of positivity and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
Update the Decor
Updating the decor in your office can be a simple and effective way to refresh the space and improve your mood. Adding a pop of colour, new artwork, or small decor items like colourful cushions or throws can make the space more visually interesting and inviting.
Another way to bring the outside inside is to incorporate natural materials such as wood, stone, and glass into your office design. These materials can evoke a sense of nature and bring a calming and grounding effect to the space.
Bring in Plants!
Naturally the best way to bring the outside inside is by welcoming some plants or living wall art.
Introducing plants into your office can have a number of benefits for both your physical and mental well-being. Plants actively improve air quality by absorbing pollutants and releasing oxygen, which can help to reduce fatigue and improve concentration. They also have a calming effect and can reduce stress levels by transforming the office into a visually pleasing and inviting space.
Best Plants to Bring Indoors
There are many different types of plants that can thrive indoors, but some popular options include:
Zanzibar Gem
The Zanzibar Gem plant is a great option for those looking for a hardy and low-maintenance indoor plant. This plant is known for its ability to thrive in low light conditions and also to tolerate drought, making it a great option for those who may not have a green thumb.
To care for a Zanzibar Gem plant, it is important to use a well-draining potting mix and a container with drainage holes. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering, and then water thoroughly.
Happy Plant
The Happy Plant is a popular indoor plant recognisable by its tall, lush foliage and ease of care. It is a great choice for anyone looking for a hardy and low-maintenance plant that will bring a touch of the tropics to their office. With proper care and attention, a Happy Plant can thrive for many years.
A major benefit of the Happy Plant is its air-purifying qualities as it can remove pollutants like formaldehyde and trichloroethylene from the air. This makes it a great addition to any room in the office as it will literally bring fresh air.
Devil’s Ivy
Devil’s Ivy, also known as Pothos, is a popular houseplant known for its ease of care and ability to thrive in a variety of lighting conditions. With its cascading foliage and hardy nature, Devil’s Ivy is the perfect plant for a striking vertical garden in your office.
While it can tolerate low light conditions, it will do best in a location with bright, indirect light. Keep the plant out of direct sunlight to prevent leaf scorching, as the leaves are delicate.
Spider Plant
The Spider Plant is often considered a great choice for beginners as it is one of the easiest indoor plants to grow and maintain.
When caring for a Spider Plant, it is important to provide the plant with bright, indirect light, but it can also tolerate low light conditions. It is important to allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings and then water thoroughly. Spider Plants can be fertilised once a month with a balanced, water-soluble fertiliser.
While returning to work may mean saying goodbye to the great outdoors, it doesn’t have to mean saying goodbye to the benefits of nature. By following these tips, you can bring the outside inside and create a vibrant and open office environment all year round.
For offices looking to enhance their office’s interior design with professional assistance, The Plant Man offers a wide selection of indoor plant hire and maintenance services that can bring a touch of nature to any space. Contact our team of office plant hire experts to learn more about our extensive range of services and how our commercial office plants can enhance your office.
